MINISTER LAUNCHES SGRIN'S ANNUAL REVIEW

SGRIN'S second Annual Review, covering the period 2000 – 2001, was launched by the Minister for Culture, Sport and the Welsh Language, Jenny Randerson recently, at the National Assembly for Wales.
The review covers activity undertaken by Sgrîn in the area of film, television and new media - embracing Sgrîn’s economic and cultural development remits.
A distinguishing feature of the film and audio-visual sector, in contrast to other sectors of the economy, is its considerable cultural and sociological as well as purely economic value. This is important to Wales and other minority European cultures that may be adversely affected by the process of globalisation and associated ‘cultural imperialism’. In this sense, the cultural significance of the sector can hardly be overstated.
The cultural significance of film stems from the role of the industry in relation to providing a major past-time for the majority of the population; an understanding of national culture, history and identity; linguistic diversity and artistic and literary creativity.
For these reasons the industry continues to receive a degree of interest and support in most EU nations beyond that which might be justified by the consideration of purely economic terms of reference.
The political and cultural value of the industry is recognised in policy terms by national government and the EU. Such cultural considerations provide a powerful argument in favour of developing a coherent strategy for the development of the sector, as well as a rationale that transcends purely economic considerations.
Sgrîn’s Economic Development Strategy 2000 - 2010 offers a vision for future economic growth for the sector in Wales. The strategy’s priorities are to develop companies, to invest in higher skills and to create quality content for domestic and international markets. (CD)